Message from Pastor Fitting-Snyder
As the artificial trees get boxed up, and the lights put away until next Christmas, we continue in this new year knowing the work of celebrating Emmanuel, God with us has now just begun. Howard Thurman, author, theologian, and civil rights leader reminds us of this with the following words…
When the song of the angels and stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and princes are home,
when the shepherds are back with their flocks,
The work of Christmas Begins.
To find the lost, to heal the broken,
to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner,
to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among the people,
to make music in the heart.
Even though the outward celebrations of Christmas may be over, our call as followers of Christ remains clear and urgent. Now is the time to embody the message of Christmas—God’s love made flesh in our everyday lives.
- Finding the lost might look like reaching out to someone who feels disconnected, isolated, or forgotten. A simple phone call or handwritten note could make all the difference.
- Healing the broken could mean walking alongside a friend or neighbor struggling with grief, illness, or hardship—offering prayer, a meal, or simply your presence.
- Feeding the hungry may be as straightforward as contributing to a local food drive, volunteering at a shelter, or sharing a warm meal with someone in need.
- Releasing the prisoner can take the form of advocating for those trapped by addiction, debt, or societal barriers, providing resources, or offering second chances.
- Rebuilding the nations might mean supporting efforts for social justice, extending kindness to those from different backgrounds, and working for reconciliation in divided communities.
- Bringing peace among the people begins with cultivating peace in our own hearts and homes—responding with patience and grace instead of anger or judgment.
- Making music in the heart involves nurturing joy and gratitude, finding beauty in everyday moments, and encouraging others to do the same.
As we move through this new year together in mission, may we find strength in knowing that the Spirit of God walks alongside us. The work of Christmas—bringing hope, peace, joy, and love into our communities—does not end with the season but begins anew each day.
In the work of Christ,
Pastor Kelsey
Parish Lay Ministry Academy Graduation
Please join us on Saturday, February 1, 2025 as we celebrate the graduation of our Parish Lay Minister candidates. Service will begin at 2pm at Good Shepherd, Irving. A light reception will follow our graduation service. Previous graduates of the Parish Lay Ministry Academy are invited to attend and vest in their collars. Instructors, Pastor and Mentors are also invited, as are family and friends!
Congratulations and God’s Blessings to our 2024 Graduates:
David Alarcon, Iglesia Luterana San Gabriel, Alvarado
Elizabeth Arriago, Iglesia Luterana Santa Maria, Irving
Donelle Barnes, Advent Lutheran Church, Arlington
Luz Maria Cornejo, Iglesia Luterana San Gabriel, Alvarado
Tricia Huston, Calvary Lutheran Church, Richland Hills
Lisa Knox, Four Mile Lutheran Church, Mabank
Christopher McCaslin, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Greenville
Vivian McElliogot, First Lutheran Church, Longview
Pamela Steenblock, Grace Lutheran Church, Abilene
King of Glory, Dallas Seeking A Director of Communication & Marketing
This Director-level position requires the ability to create and implement a strategic communication plan to engage both members and the general public. The Director oversees all aspects of communication, including digital platforms such as emails, social media, and website management, as well as print and on-site materials like brochures, signage, and press releases. They also supervise the direction of the audio-visual team for worship services and events, ensuring all messaging effectively highlights the opportunities and programs available at King of Glory Lutheran Church.
- Full Time, hybrid
- Responsible for strategy & execution
- Salary commensurate with experience
- Supervises IT & Media Coordinator
- Reports to the Executive Church Administrator.
Email resume and cover letter to: DCMSearch@kingofglory.com, and include Dir. of Communication in the Subject line.
For a complete job description visit https://www.kingofglory.com/
Featured Resources for January
The ELCA offers a place of welcome for all seeking a congregational home. Your congregations can extend an invitation to neighbors and the surrounding community through the use of these customizable communications tools. Download and use these FREE tools today.
Here is a direct link to Easter communication tools in English.
Where in the world is?
NT-NL synod staff are excited to engage in-person on Sundays for worship. As good stewards of time and travel dollars, we will be utilizing online meeting formats in our new hybrid reality when possible. If you would like to schedule a meeting with the bishop or Synod staff please contact them directly.
Bishop Gronberg:
January 19: Grace, Fort Worth
Pastora Bañales:
January 15-20: Spanish Coaching Training, Puerto Rico
January 22: Cultivating a Culture of Generosity
January 23: DEM Advisory Team Meeting
January 26: Holy Trinity, Irving
January 27: Six Synod Partnership ‘Sowing the Margins’
January 28: First Sagrada Familia, Garland
January 30: Community of Hope, Fort Worth
Pastor Fitting-Snyder:
January 19: Immanuel, Kileen
January 26: St. Luke’s Richardson
January 28: First Call Pastors Check-In, Zoom
Upcoming Events
With the ever-changing guidelines and recommendations in our world right now, as we maintain physical distance in social solidarity, please keep in mind these events may be moved online, postponed, or cancelled:
- January 28: First Call Pastors Check-In, Zoom
- January 30: Dallas Area Interfaith: A Cry for Justice, a Call to Action, Dallas
- February 1: Parish Lay Ministry Academy Graduation, Good Shepherd, Irving
- February 8: Public Witness Team Meeting
- February 25: First Call Pastors Check-In, Zoom
- February 28-March 2: NT-NL Youth Weekend, King of Glory, Dallas
Access our full online Calendar here. Updates made regularly.
Do you have news or announcements to share? Please submit to office@ntnl.org for consideration for upcoming editions of our weekly news.